The Morris Animal Foundation (MAF) has opened applications for research proposals focused on canine immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA). The deadline for proposals is November 15, 2023.
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According to a press release from the organization, MAF is particularly looking for research and development efforts focused on1:
- Improve diagnosis and identification of IMHA subtypes, and/or correlation of subtypes and outcomes
- Strengthening and/or individualization of treatments, in particular by optimizing antithrombotic treatment
IMHA involves the destruction of red blood cells by the body’s immune system.1 According to Washington State University,2 According to research studies, mortality rates for dogs with IMHA vary between 50 and 75%.
Allen and Barbara Dearry are funding this call for projects inspired by their young whippet, Clark, who has undergone a year of major interventions since his diagnosis of IMHA at the age of 3. In early 2022, after receiving a leptospirosis vaccine, he was lethargic and experienced a loss of appetite, but this worsened one day when he tried to run and stopped and was out of breath .3 Fortunately, the Dearrys were able to afford the veterinary care Clark needed to manage the disease, although little is still known about IMHA. They hope to help increase knowledge and help other dogs suffering from this condition through MAF’s research proposals.
The references
- The Morris Animal Foundation calls for canine research focused on IMHA. Press release. Morris Animal Foundation. August 23, 2023. Accessed August 23, 2023.
- Ferugson W. Beloved dog beats deadly illness. Washington State University. May 17, 2021. Accessed August 23, 2023. https://news.wsu.edu/news/2021/05/17/loved-dog-beats-deadly-immune-system-disease
- The IMHA Journey by Dearry A. Clark. Morris Animal Foundation. April 2023. Accessed August 23, 2023. https://fundraise.morrisanimalfoundation.org/just-because/ClarksIMHAJourney